MODULE 1 – CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
This module of the respective course description includes a definition of crime, types of crime scene, securing and recording of crime scene, searching of physical evidence, crime scene survey & recording, Locard’s exchange principle, collection, preservation, and packaging of the evidence, documentation, and presentation of the encountered evidence in the court, processing, and reconstruction of the crime scene.
The pre-requisites of the course is a criminal investigation, eyewitness identifications, sex crime investigations, homicide investigations, meetings, and interrogations, to attain an understanding of the obligations and duties of a criminal investigator, etc.
MODULE 2 – PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
The mode of learning in crime scene investigation will provide sufficient knowledge to develop a student's professional strength. The module comprises the definition and types of evidence, importance of physical, biological, chemical, and testimonial evidence in the court of law. Its nature – fragile or transient evidence and solid or tangible evidence, physical evidence searching methods, role, and importance of photography, evidence supervision – chain of custody, blood splattering analysis, collection, preservation, packing, and forwarding of different types of evidence to the laboratories and admissibility of the evidence.
MODULE 3 – CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES
The additional significant part of the investigation is “Investigation techniques” in the criminal justice system. In this online course module, students will learn preliminary methods of investigation, methods, and procedures used in a crime scene.
After completing the course, one can able to investigate and identify such techniques by analyzing criminals & criminal behavior, modus operandi, criminal profiling, portrait parley, polygraphy, narco-analysis, brain fingerprinting, voice stress analysis, and speaker profiling.
MODULE 4 – GLASS EVIDENCE
Glass evidence can be used for manifold tracing evidence like blood, fingerprints, and broken glasses. It is very valuable evidence at a scene of crime to conclude the nature of crime. The fragment of glass regularly encountered at the scene of crime. The composition and features of every glass are different like window glass, bottle, crystal, lead, etc. and can help to reach opinion in some specific hit and run and other cases.
This module would introduce you to glass as evidence- its definition and classification, types of glass fractures like cone-fracture, hackle marks, Concentric, radial fractures, and heat fractures, caused by projectiles. Forensic examination of glass by different ways like - the mechanical fit, glass particle comparisons, refractive index and dispersion, density determinations using plummet and balance, density determinations using a density meter, product considerations, elemental analysis of glass, and other related examinations such as color and fluorescence, physical matching and measurements, density comparison, refractive index by refractometer.
MODULE 5 – SOIL EVIDENCE
The science of soil introduces and acquaints the students with an ability to answer the legal criminal cases by familiarizing them with the significance and utility of soil as evidence in criminal investigations.
The structure of the module will explain you to the formation and types of soil, composition, and color of soil, particle size distribution and analytical examination of soil, density distribution of particles, mineral analysis, chemical analysis, density gradient analysis & ignition loss, differential thermal analysis & elemental analysis, interpretation of soil evidence.
MODULE 6 – PAINT EVIDENCE
In the forensic investigation, paint is a very commonly encountered evidence, especially in cases like burglary, hit-and-run cases, etc. The module describes the fundamentals of paint, in the manner that types of paint and their composition, paint chemistry, resinous vehicles, automotive finishes, macroscopic and microscopic studies, pigment distribution, micro-chemical and instrumental analysis – solubility test, pyrolysis chromatographic techniques, TLC, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and interpretation of paint evidence examination.
MODULE 7 – TOOL MARKS AND OTHER IMPRESSIONS
This is very frequently encountered evidence in burglary cases. The tool marks trace evidence contain patterns left on the objects at crime scene, as the tool marks forms a link to complete the chain of custody in criminal cases. It is also possible to detect the authentication of the tool with the help of its trace marks.
Module is structured in a defined manner as it first introduces to the types of tool marks: impression marks, striated marks, cutting marks, slicing marks, pinching marks, and fractured marks. Recovery and collection of the evidence deal with the documentation, collection, and preservation of the evidence. Restoration of erased/obliterated marks, method of marking – cast, punch, engrave, methods of obliteration, method of restoration-etching (etchings for different metals), magnetic, electrolytic, etc., recording of restored marks – restoration of marks on wood, leather, polymer, etc are included in this module.
MODULE 8 – FIBER AND HAIR
The evidentiary value of fiber and hair is very important in cases like burglary and hit and run cases. It may be found on glass, tire, clothes, nails, shoes, etc. In the other aspects of sex offences and harassment cases, it plays a dynamic role to identify and distinguish between the two different individual’s clothes fiber as well as vehicle seat fiber.
It will demonstrate you to the types and morphology of fibers and hair & their significant importance in crime scene investigation. Microscopic examination of hair and fiber, Comparison between animal and human hair, and their forensic importance will enhance students’ knowledge.
MODULE 9 – BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS
The module delivers the knowledge designed for investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic technicians, and others involved in criminal and medico-legal investigations to develop a fundamental knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis and the practical application of the discipline in casework. This module deals with the investigation and examination of the bloodstain pattern present on any surface with the consideration of numerous techniques like photography, angle of impact measurement, etc. the bloodstain pattern analysis helpful in revealing the type of crime that occurred with the involvement of weapon used.
